Apparatus for destroying syringes and like articles

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or the like articles, comprises a plurality of spaced stationary members having serrations over a portion of a given surface thereof and a plurality of rotatable members, preferably round and preferably serrated around the whole periphery thereof, mounted between adjacent stationary members, an entrance path being formed between the rotatable and stationary members. The entrance path tapers from an entrance dimension larger than the maximum lateral dimension of the syringe to a dimension at least substantially smaller than the maximum dimension. Further provided is a cartridge arrangement for the apparatus and a unique feeding arrangement to insure that the syringes, or the like articles, properly enter the entrance path.

ontalbano 11] 3,929,295 [4 1 Dec. 30, 1975 APPARATUS FOR DESTROYINGSYRllNGES AND LIKE ARTICLES [75] Inventor: Anthony P. Montalbano,Glencove,

[73] Assignee: Madeline Ippolito, Great Neck, NY.

[22] Filed: Nov. 1, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 411,829

[52] U.S. Cl. 241/190; 241/99; 241/100 [51] Int. Cl. B02C 13/06; B02C19/14 [58] Field of Search 241/99, 235, 236, 242, 241/243, 100, 190

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,404,593 10/1968 Arcareseet al 241/99 X 3,602,444 8/1971 Meyer 241/243 X 3,687,062 8/1972 Frank241/99 X 3,703,970 11/1972 Benson 241/243 X FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 1,037,174 9/1953 France 241/243 Primary Examiner-Roy LakeAssistant Examiner-E. F. Desmond Attorney, Agent, or FirmFlynn &Frishauf [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or thelike articles, comprises a plurality of spaced stationary members havingserrations over a portion of a given surface thereof and a plurality ofrotatable members, preferably round and preferably serrated around thewhole periphery thereof, mounted between adjacent stationary members, anentrance path being formed between the rotatable and stationary members.The entrance path tapers from an entrance dimension larger than themaximum lateral dimension of the syringe to a dimension at leastsubstantially smaller than the maximum dimension. Further provided is acartridge arrangement for the apparatus and a unique feeding arrangementto insure that the syringes, or the like articles, properly enter theentrance path.

58 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 1 of63,929,295

US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 2 of6 3,929,295-

US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 5 of6 U.S. Patfint Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 6of6 3,929,295

FIG/2 APPARATUS FOR DESTROYING SYRINGES AND LIKE ARTICLES This inventionrelates to destruction devices, and more particularly, to destructiondevices for destroying medical syringes, or the like articles.

Prior art destruction devices for medical syringes are known. However,such prior art devices generally operate at relatively low speed and arecapable of handling small quantities of syringes for destruction perunit time. Further, in some known devices, it is necessary to theoperator of the destruction device to physically handle each syringe tobe destroyed and to individually insert each syringe into thedestruction device, thereby rendering operation of the destructiondevice a hazardous matter. Inadvertent pricking of the skin by a syringewhich is to be destroyed could, in some cases, cause serious illness,such as hepatitis.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a destructiondevice capable of efficiently destroying medical syringes or the like,at a high speed, and which does not require the individual handling ofeach syringe (after patient admistration) to be destroyed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such adestruction device which may be operated with cartridges so as tocompletely eliminate the necessity for the operator to handle theindividual syringes after application.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such adestruction device which is capable of handling a plurality of differentsizes of syringes with substantially equal destruction efficiency.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a small, compactdestruction unit which is capable of quickly and efficiently destroyingsyringes on an individual basis, thereby rendering the device useful insmall, low volume installations. A further object of this aspect of theinvention is to provide such a small, compact unit which providesmaximum safety to the user so as to prevent inadvertent pricking of theskin by the syringe under destruction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, apparatusfor destroying medical syringes, or like articles, includes at least onerotatable member having serrations along at least a portion of theperiphery thereof, and at least one stationary member having serrationsover at least a portion of a given surface thereof which faces theperiphery of the rotatable member. The rotatable memher is mountedlaterally offset relative to the stationary member, and a given surfaceof the stationary member which faces the periphery of the rotatablemember has a shape which defines an entrance path between the at leastone rotatable member and the at least one stationary member, theentrance path tapering from a entrance dimension larger than the maximumlateral dimension of the syringe to a dimension at least substantiallysmaller than the maximum lateral dimension of the syringe. Preferably,the apparatus includes a plurality of rotatable members, which arepreferably diskshaped, and a plurality of spaced stationary members, therotatable members being interposed between the spaced stationarymembers. The serrations on the rotatable and stationary members are suchas to promote positive feeding of the syringe, or the like article,

2 through the entrance path so as to be destroyed effectively.

According to another feature of the invention, means are provided forfeeding the syringe, or the like article, in a substantially horizontalorientation into the entrance path between the stationary and rotatablemembers. The feeding means preferably defines a tortuous path with atleast two changes of directions of the syringe, and the means formingthe tortuous path preferably includes a plurality of flat, plate-likesections.

According to a further feature of the invention, a novel cartridgearrangement is provided for feeding syringes into the destructiondevice, a plurality of car,- tridges being provided so as to enablesimplified and safe collection of syringes at a plurality of locationsfor ultimate destruction by the apparatus. Each cartridge preferably hasa plurality of chambers therein, each chamber accommodating a pluralityof syringes. In accordance with a preferred type of cartridge, thecartridge has a slideable bottom which engages the housing of theapparatus so that successive chambers feed syringes into the entranceupon advancing of the cartridge relative to the housing.

According to another feature of the invention, a destruction deviceincludes a feed mechanismwhich is interlocked with a slideablecontroller for simultaneously feeding a syringe into the entrance pathbetween the rotatable and stationary members, and closing the feedopening of the device so as to prevent dropping of further objects intothe apparatus during operation. Preferably, the slideable controller isinterlocked with the on-off switch to automatically turn the device onwhen the controller is operated.

Various other features and objects of the invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of preferredembodiments of the invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A generally illustrates atypical medical syringe which is to be destroyed;

FIG. 18 illustrates how such a typical syringe would appear afterpassing through the destruction device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge-type apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from a different angle of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 showing the cartridge in place and showing the waste disposaldoor in the closed position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing aportion of the internal operating mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2 showingthe destruction apparatus in greater detail;

FIG. 6 is a view taken along the stepped line 6-6 in FIG. 5 showing thedestruction apparatus in detail;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the destruction apparatus with a syringein the process of being destroyed;

FIG. 8 shows the detent-type engagement arrangement for positivelyengaging the cartridge with the housing of the apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the destruction deviceshowing some of the elements thereof in more detail;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the syringe insertion mechanismand on-off switch;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view, similar to FIG. 11, showing theinsertion mechanism in the fully operational state which automaticallyturns the device on; and

FIG. 13 shows a modified form of the destruction mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1,there is generally illustrated a medical syringe of the type which is tobe destroyed by the apparatus according to the present invention. FIG.1A illustrates the syringe before insertion into the device, and FIG. 1Billustrates a typical syringe after passing through the destructiondevice. In many instances, however, the syringe will be destroyed to agreater degree than illustrated in FIG. 1B, and will be in a pluralityof individual separated pieces. The illustration in FIG. 1B is merelygiven by way of example to illustrate that the syringe is completelyunusable after being passed through the device of the present invention.The syringes presently being used are of a plastic composition, but itshould be clear that the device according to the present invention issuitable for use with any type of syringe. Moreover, while the presentapplication is directed to use of the destruction device with medicalsyringes, it should be clear that the de struction device of the presentinvention could be used for many other purposes to destroy, crush orotherwise break up other types of articles, especially elongatedarticles. The present application and the appended claims, are to beconstrued to include such use of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the device of the present invention includes ahousing 1 with an openable chamber 2 for receiving destroyed syringes.Removably fitted to the top of the housing 1 is a cartridge 3, theinternal construction of which is illustrated in more detail in FIG. andwhich will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. The chamber 2 ispivotably connected to the housing 1 by means of pivot 4 (FIG. 5) andcontains a removable and disposable liner 5 which may be a plastic orpaper bag, or a cardboard type of box which is slideably inserted intothe chamber 2 for receiving the destroyed syringes. The chamber 2 hasside cut-out portions 6 to facilitate removal of the liner 5. As shownin FIG. 5, the housing has a stop member 7 inside thereof and thechamber 2 includes a corresponding stop member 8 which engages the stopmember 7 to limit the outward movement of the chamber during removal ofthe liner 5.

The housing 1 has an upper surface having two syringe insertion slots 9and 10 (see also FIG. 5). Slot 9 has a smaller width than slot 10 (asclearly shown in FIG. 5), the two slots being designed to receivedifferent size syringes. It should be clear that a greater number ofslots 9, 10 could be provided, as desired, or one slot could be providedfor accepting all sizes of syringes, depending upon the particularrequirements of individual systems.

The housing 1 further includes elongated slots 11 and 12 whichrespectively receive elongated protruding rail-guide members 13 and 14of cartridge 3. Rail-guide member 14 of cartridge 3 has a rack-type gear15 on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of detents 16 on a sidesurface thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, the rack 15 engages a gear 17 whichis operatively coupled to an operating knob 18 (FIG. 2) for advancingthe cartridge member 3 relative to the casing l of the destructiondevice. The indentations 16 engage a detent mechanism 19, shown indetail in FIGS. 4 and 8. Detent mechanism 19 is comprised of, forexample, a springmetal member 20 secured at its lower end to the housing1 or other fixed member of the device, and a wheel member 21 rotatablyconnected to the spring member 20. The spring member 20 biases therotating wheel 21 in the direction of the indentations 16 so as topositively engage the cartridge at fixed positions along the length ofthe slot 12. The spring-metal member 20 has an upper portion 22 whichextends above the upper surface of the housing 1 for use in releasingthe detent mechanism from the indentations 16 of rail 14. In order toquickly remove the cartridge from the housing 1, the member 22 is pulledtoward the left in FIG. 2 so as to release the wheel 21 from theindentations 16, thereby facilitating removal of the cartridge 3 fromthe device.

The cartridge 3 has an upper cover 23 which may be hingedly connected tothe base portion of the cartridge, or which may be removably connectedto the base portion. The cover 23 is retained on top of the cartridge 3by means of a clasp member 24, which may be any type of well knowndevice. The cartridge 3 also has an end handle portion 31 as seen inFIGS. 2, 3 and 5 to facilitate handling thereof, especially duringinsertion in and removal from the main housing 1. The operators hand isreceived in the void space formed between member 31 and the adjacent endwall 32 of the syringe retaining portion of the cartridge 1. Preferably,the cartridge is fabricated of plastic, or the like, and is preferablyautoclavable. As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 3 has a plurality ofvertical partitions 25 dividing the internal portion of the cartridgeinto a plurality of vertical chambers 26. The cartridge may bepre-loaded with a plurality of syringes 27 stacked, for example, asshown in FIG. 5. The cartridge 3 further includes a base member 28 whichis slidably engaged to the cartridge housing so that successive internalchambers 26 of the cartridge 3 are exposed to, for example, syringeinsertion slot 9, during advancement of the cartridge 3 relative to thehousing 1. The base 28 is secured to the cartridge 3 housing, forexample, by means of lips 29 which slidably engage the correspondingprotruding portions 30. The base member, and its mechanism enablingsliding thereof relative to the cartridge 3 in use will be discussedhereinbelow.

A stop member 31 is provided on the upper portion of the housing 1 (FIG.2) for engaging the base 28 of cartridge 3. When the cartridge 3 isinserted into the housing 1, advancement of the cartridge body 3 isaccomplished by rotating knob 18, or by pushing the cartridge 3manually, and the base 28 is retained in a fixed position by means ofthe stop 31, thereby successively exposing the internal chambers 26 ofthe cartridge to the slot 9 in the housing of the device. Thissuccessively feeds the contents of the chambers 26 to the destroyermechanism. The stop 31 is low enough so as to allow the cartridgehousing 3 to pass thereover.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 9, the actual mechanism fordestroying a syringe will be discussed in more detail. The destructionmechanism comprises a plurality of toothed wheels 40, having teeth orserrations 41 along the outer circumference thereof. The toothed wheels40 are mounted to a rotatable shaft 42, one end of which is rotatablyjournalled in the end wall 43 of a frame 44. The other end of rotatableshaft 42 passes through the other end wall 45 of the frame 44 and isconnected to a gear 46 which drives the shaft 42 via a key-lockingarrangement 47. Gear 46 is driven via a gear 48, which in turn is drivenvia a gear 49 which is connected to the shaft 50 of a motor 51. Themotor 51, is mounted to the base of the housing 1 by means, for example,of mounting brackets 52, and the gear 48 is rotatably coupled to thehousing 1. The teeth 41 may be as shown in FIG. 1, or may be angledteeth 41 for example as shown in FIG. 13, to provide, in some cases, abetter bite into the article being destroyed. Teeth 41 may take variousshapes, depending upon use of the device. Also projections 41 as shownin FIG. 13 may be provided as desired, to urge the articles to bedestroyed downward.

Fixedly mounted to the frame 44 are a plurality of fixed cutter members52 which have teeth or serrations 54 along a substantial portion of thecurved surface thereof, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. and 7. Theteeth 54 may be angled teeth 54' as shown in FlG. 13 or may take anyother convenient shape, depending upon use. The curvature of the toothedportion of fixed cutter 53 is correlated to the rotatable toothed wheels42 such that at the entrance portion 55, sufficient clearance isprovided so as to receive a syringe, such as syringe 27 of FIG. 7. Asthe rotatable toothed wheels 40 rotate in the direction of the arrow 56(FIG. 7), the syringe 27 is engaged by the teeth or serrations 54 and 41and is quickly and positively drawn downward in the direction of thearrow 57 (FIG. 7) whereby it is crushed and/or mutilated by engagementbetween the fixed cutter members 53 and rotatable toothed wheels 40.Upon continued rotation of the wheels 40, the destroyed syringe 27 isejected, passing over the guide member 58 and into the liner orreceptacle ,5 of the refuse chamber 2. A base portion 59 is providedbelow the wheels 40 to catch and retain any debris which drops duringthe cutting operation. It has been found that anydebris which iscollected on base member 59 is positively ejected from the system duringthe cutting and destruction of the next successive syringes by virtue ofthe engagement of the debris with downward protruding portions of thesyringe during the idestruction process. The debris is thus engaged andlikewise brought out to guide member 58 for depositinto the refusechamber 2. In the present embodiment, the base portion 59 comprises aplurality of segments 59 (FIG. 9) interposed between adjacent fixedcutting members 53. The fixed cutting members 53 have apertures 60formed therein, and the base portion segments 59' have apertures 61formed therein. Bar members 62 (FIG. 5) are passed through the apertures60 and 61 so as to maintain the individual elements in the appropriateassembled state. Bar members 62 are anchored in the ends of frame 44 soas to maintain the elements with the proper structural integrity.

Further provided is a deflector member 63 having extending fingerportions 64 which respectively extend between adjacent toothed wheels40. The deflector 63 is anchored to the frame 44 by means of, forexample, protrusions 65 which engage indentations in the end member 43and 45 of the frame. The protruding ends 65 may be alternativelyreplaced with a bar or rod member extending through a correspondingaperture in the deflector member 63, the ends of the bar or rod memberbeing anchored in the frame 44. Such an alternative construction wouldprovide reinforcement to the deflector 63.

While the destruction device comprising fixed cutters 53 and toothedwheels 40 will satisfactorily destroy syringes if they are toothed alongthe complete length thereof, repeated experiments have shown thatimproved destruction capabilities are achieved if the wheels 40 aretoothed around the complete circumference thereof, and if the fixedcutters 53 are toothed or serrated to an extent such that at a pointabout where there is no longer any lateral clearance between the wheels40 and fixed cutters 53, the teeth or serrations 54 are ended. In thisconnection, reference is made to FIGS. 5 and 7, wherein such anadvantageous toothed structure is illustrated. The section A of thefixed cutters 53 are serrated, whereas the section B is smooth. Further,the end portion of the section B is upwardly curved so as to protrudeinto the interstices between adjacent wheels 40. This construction isclearly illustrated in FIG. 7 and has been found to be particularlyadvantageous in promoting quick and efficient destruction of syringes orthe like.

The upwardly curved cutter portion 66 has been found to be particularlyeffective in destroying the needle portion 27 (FIG. 1) of the syringe.In'particular, reference is made to FIG. 13 wherein the metal needleportion 27' is bent beyond use.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is clearly seen that the syringes 27 are fedinto the cutting and destruction arrangement via a tortuous path. Thisis to insure that the syringes 27 are received between the cutters andthe rotating wheels of the destruction device in a directionsubstantially lateral of the device (that is, in a horizontal directionor in a direction substantially parallel with the axial direction of theshaft 42). As shown in FIG. 5, a typical needle 27 drops through slot 9,impacts and rolls down a conveying portion or partition wall 67, is thencaused to impact the substantially vertical portion of the partitionwall 68 and then falls in a substantially lateral or horizontalcondition into the destruction mechanism, as shown. By virtue of thisspecially arranged tortuous path defined by the partition walls 67 and68, proper feeding of the syringe, and proper landing of the syringe inthe destruction mechanism is insured. A similar tortuous path, definedby specially shaped partitions 67 and 69, is provided for input slot 10,also as shown in FIG. 5. The three partitions 67,. 68 and 69 arespecially designed to make horizontal any syringes which deviate fromthe horizontal when fed into feed slots 9,10. It is also pointed outthat the cartridge 3 with its partitions 25 also serves as a positivemeans of forcing the operator of the device to properly orient thesyringes for proper reception by the destruction mechanism.

It has been found that at least two changes of direction in passingthrough the tortuous path defined by the bent partitions 67, 68 and 69between the slots 9,10 and the destruction mechanism, per se, isrequired to provide best feed results for syringes generally encounteredin the medical field. If desired, more changes of directions can beprovided merely by varying the shapes of walls 67,68 and 69 and byadding additional appropriately shaped conveying walls, if necessary.

A further advantage to the provision of the tortuous path feed ofsyringes is to insure that the syringes feed one-at-a-time into thecutters of the cutting mechanism. By changing the direction of themovement of the syringes by means of the walls or partions 67, 68 and 769, bunching up of the syringes in the cutting mechanism is effectivelyprevented.

Preferably, the cutting mechanism which is mounted to frame 44 iscompletely removable from the apparatus and is autoclavable for sanitarypurposes. In this regard, it should be clear that the frame 44 carriesthe rotatable wheels 40, the fixed cutters 53, the base 59 and deflector63, and comprises a complete integral unit which is connectable to thedrive mechanism via gears. If desired, depending upon the application, adirect drive arrangement could be provided for the rotatable wheels 40.

Experiments have shown that for use in destroying syringes of the .typegenerally used, which are made of plastic material and have metal needleportions, best destruction results are obtained when the rotating wheels40 rotate at relatively high speeds, such as at about 230 rpm. With theplastic syringe bodies presently being used, slow speed operation of thewheels does not provide an effective shattering effect to the plastic.The high speed of rotation produces high impacts to the needle body andaids in shocking the plastic into fragments to provide more effectivedestruction of the syringe. However, the speed of rotation of the wheels40 may be varied, depending upon the item being destroyed, to providethe desired destruction results.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus of the present invention isfurther provided with a window 70 through which the operator of thedevice may observe the contents of the disposal chamber 2. When thedisposal chamber 2 is observed to be full or nearly full the operatorcan merely open the chamber and remove the liner 5. An on-off switch 71is operatively coupled to the motor 51 by means not shown so as to turnthe apparatus on and off. Air vents 72 are provided adjacent the motor51 for cooling of the motor. See FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIGS. -12, a further embodiment of the present invention isillustrated which utilizes a cutting mechanism 80 which is substantiallyidentical with the cutting mechanism of FIG. 6. Due to a different typeof housing for the apparatus, a different type of drive mechanism, usingdifferently shaped gears and motor (not shown) are used.

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the alternative arrangement comprisesa housing 81 with a drawer 82 slideably arranged therein. Within thedrawer is placed a disposable liner 83 comprised for example, ofcardboard, or the like. In the upper section of the device is locatedthe cutting mechanism 80, as indicated generally by the dashed lines inFIG. 10.

FIGS. 10-12 show the syringe insertion mechanism and on-off switcharrangement of this embodiment which constitute additional novelfeatures. The syringe receptacle 84 is pivotally mounted to the housing81 and has a gear 85 secured at one end thereof. At the end of thereceptacle 84 that has the gear 85 thereon is slideably mounted a rack86 which engages the gear 85. The rack 86 has an on-off lever 87 securedthereto. In FIG. 10, the apparatus is shown with the receptacle 84 inthe position to accept a syringe 27 therein. In FIG. 11, the apparatusis shown with the receptacle 84 in the partially operated state, andFIG. 12 illustrates the apparatus with the receptacle in the fullyclosed state, the syringe 27 falling therefrom and into the destructionmechanism 80. When the receptacle is in the condition shown in FIG. 12,the bottom end thereof becomes upright, thus blocking the receptacleslot completely, thereby rendering the device safe during use.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the rack 86 is moved to its fully operativeposition the end thereof engages an on-off switch 88 which isoperatively coupled to the motor which drives the destruction mechanism80. This interlock further enhances the safety of the device during use.

Preferably, as with the previously described embodiment, the cuttingmechanism is completely removable and autoclavable, and the receptacle82 is likewise completely removable and autoclavable. The motor drivefor the destruction mechanism 80 is preferably located within thelefthand portion of the housing as seen in FIG. 10 and is showngenerally by the dashedline block 89.

As used hereinabove and in the appended claims, the terms teeth" orserrations as used to describe the periphery of the wheels 40 and theportion A of fixed cutters 53 are used interchangeably. Only the termserrations" is used in the appended claims for convenience ofdescription.

While the invention has been described above with respect to specificembodiments, it should be clear that many modifications and alterationsmay be made thereto without departing from the inventive concept as setforth in the appended claims. For example, the structure may be modifiedso as to accommodate the invention to a particular use, and theinvention may be used for destroying items other than the syringes whichare presently and generally used in the medical field. Depending uponthe materials of the items to be destroyed, various modifications andalterations to the destruction mechanism and/or the speed of operationthereof, are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

I claim: I

1. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising:

a plurality of rotatable members, each having a circumferential row ofaligned serrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof;

a plurality of stationary members, each having a row of alignedserrations over at least a substantial portion of a given surfacethereof which facesthe periphery of said at least one rotatable member;and

means for rotatably mounting each of at least a plurality of saidrotatable members between respective pairs of adjacent stationarymembers;

said given surfaces of said stationary members having a shape whichdefines an entrance path between said rotatable members and saidstationary members, said entrance path tapering from an entrancedimension larger than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object to a dimension at least substantially smaller than saidmaximum lateral dimension of said syringe;

said given surfaces of said stationary members having said serrationsover at least a substantial portion of the portion thereof which definessaid tapered en-- trance path;

said serrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a housing and a receptaclemounted therein adjacent said rotatable and stationary members forreceiving destroyed syringes or like objects therein, said receptaclebeing pivotally mounted relative to said rotatable and stationarymembers.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a removable cartridge meansfor feeding said syringes or like objects to said at least one rotatableand said at least one stationary members.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said cartridge means comprisesa plurality of chambers for receiving syringes therein.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said entrance path definedbetween said rotatable members and said given surfaces is reduced ortapered to such a degree that, in the lateral direction of theapparatus, no clearance exists between said given surfaces and theperiphery of said rotatable members.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said given surfaces of saidstationary members extend inwardly at substantially the end of saidgiven surfaces remote from said entrance path to such a degree as tooverlap said rotatable members in the lateral direction of saidapparatus.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said inwardly extending endsurfaces of said stationary members have no serrations thereon.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotatable members aremounted on a common shaft, and including means for rotatably drivingsaid common shaft. y

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of fingermembers interposed between adjacent rotatable members to deflectfragments of the destroyed syringes.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a base portion mountedbelow said rotatable members and spaced from the serrated surfaces ofsaid rotatable members for receiving and conveying destroyed syringesand fragments thereof.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotatable members areserrated about the complete periphery thereof.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said stationary members aresubstantially flat and wherein said given surfaces are arcuate surfaces.

13. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising at least one rotatable member having a circumferential row ofaligned serrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof;

at least one stationary member having a row of aligned serrations overat least a substantial portion of a given surface thereof which facesthe periphery of said at least one rotatable member;

means for rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable memberlaterally offset relative to said at least one stationary member;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said at least one rotatablemember and said at least one stationary member, said entrance pathtapering from an entrance dimension larger than the maximumlateraldimension of said syringe or like object to a dimension at leastsubstantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe;

10' said given surface of said at least one stationary member havingsaid serrations over at least a substantial portion of the portionthereof which defines said tapered entrance path;

said serrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object; and

means for feeding said syringes to said entrance path in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation relative to the orientation of said at least onerotatable member and said at least one stationary member.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 comprising a plurality of saidrotatable members and a plurality of said spaced stationary members,each rotatable member being respectively mounted between a pair ofadjacent stationary members.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said syringes compriseelongated tubular members and said feeding means includes alignmentmeans defining at least one horizontally elongated tortuous feed pathleading to said entrance path to insure said substantially horizontalorientation of the longitudinal axis of a syringe when it reaches saidentrance path.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 comprising a pair of feedingmeansfor receiving different sized syringes and for feeding said syringes tosaid entrance path over respective tortuous feed paths to insure saidsubstantially horizontal orientation of a syringe when it reaches saidentrance path.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said feeding means comprisesat least a pair of spaced partitions mounted above said entrance pathand together defining at least two changes in direction of the feed pathfor saidsyringes prior to said syringes reaching said entrance. path.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein each partition has angularlyconnected portions, the interface between angularly connected portionsbe'ing horizontally oriented.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said partitions arecomprised of a plurality of flat plate-like sections.

20. Apparatus according to claim vl3 comprising a housing and areceptacle mounted therein adjacent said rotatable and stationarymembers for receiving destroyed syringes or like objects therein, saidreceptacle being pivotally mounted relative to said rotatable andstationary members.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said receptacle containsmeans for receiving a disposable container therein.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20 comprising means for observing thecondition of said receptacle from outside of said housing of saidapparatus.

23. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising a housing containing:

at least one rotatable member having a circumferential row of alignedserrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof;

at least one stationary member having a row of aligned serrations overat least a substantial portion of a given surface thereof which facesthe periphery of said at least one rotatable member;

means for rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable memberlaterally off'set relative to said at least one stationary member;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said at least one rotatablemember and said at least one stationary member, said entrance pathtapering from an entrance dimension larger than the maximum lateraldimension of said syringe or like object to a dimension at leastsubstantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having saidserrations over at least a substantial portion of the portion thereofwhich defines said tapered entrance path;

said serrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum laterial dimension of said syringeor like object; and

a receptacle pivotally mounted to said housing adjacent said rotatableand stationary members for receiving destroyed syringes or like objectstherein, said receptacle being pivotally mounted relative to saidrotatable and stationary members for removal of destroyed syringestherefrom.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23 comprising a plurality of saidrotatable members and a plurality of said spaced stationary members,each rotatable member being respectively mounted between a pair of adjacent stationary members.

25. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or the like objects,comprising a housing containing:

at least one rotatable member having a circumferential row of alignedserrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof;

at least one stationary member having a row of aligned serrations overat least a substantial portion of a given surface thereof which facesthe periphery of said at least one rotatable member;

means for rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable memberlaterally offset relative to said at least one stationary member;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said at least one rotatablemember and said at least one stationary member, said entrance pathtapering from an entrance dimension larger than the maximum lateraldimension of said syringe or like object to a dimension at leastsustantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having saidserrations over at least a substantial portion of the portion thereofwhich defines said tapered entrance path;

said serrations :havin g adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object; and

receiving means mounted to said housing above said entrance path forreceiving at least one syringe or like object therein and for feedingsaid at least one syringe or like object to said entrance path, saidreceiving means being pivotally mounted to the upper portion of saidhousing.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25 comprising a plurality of saidrotatable members and a plurality of said spaced stationary members,each rotatable mem- 12 ber being respectively mounted between a pair ofadjacent stationary members.

27. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said receiving means assumesa first position defining a receptacle for receiving at least onesyringe to be destroyed, and a second position wherein said receptacleempties its contents towards said entrance path.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said receiving means is anelongated receptacle and wherein in said second position, said receivingmeans blocks said entrance path from reception of any additionalarticles from outside of said housing.

29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said receiving means iscoupled to an actuating means for selectively pivoting said receivingmeans between said first and second positions.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29 wherein said receiving means has agear coupled thereto, and wherein said actuating means comprises a rackengageable with said gear for moving said receiving means between saidfirst and second positions.

31. Apparatus according to claim 29 comprising drive means for impartingrotation to said at least one rotatable member, and wherein saidactuating means is further operatively coupled to said drive means toturn said drive means on when said receiving means is in said secondposition, and to turn said drive means off when said receiving means isin said first position.

32. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising:

at least one rotatable member having serrations along at least a portionof the periphery thereof;

at least one stationary member having serrations over at least a portionof a given surface thereof which faces the periphery of said at leastone rotatable member;

means for rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable memberlaterally offset relative to said at least one stationary member;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said at least one rotatablemember and said at least one stationary member, said entrance pathtapering from an entrance dimension larger than the maximum lateraldimension of said syringe or like object to a dimension at leastsubstantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe; and

cartridge means for feeding said syringes or like objects to said atleast one rotatable and said at least one stationary members, saidcartridge means comprising a plurality of chambers for receiving saidsyringes or like objects therein.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said chambers are orientedso as to orient said received syringes in a substantially horizontal andlateral position relative to the orientation of said at least onerotatable and said at least one stationary members.

34. Apparatus according to claim 32 comprising a housing, said housingincluding means for removably receiving said cartridge means, and atleast one open-' ing in communication with said entrance path.

35. Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said cartridge receivingmeans includes means for advancing said cartridge relative to saidhousing so as to register selected chambers thereof to said at least oneopen- 36. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein said receiving meansincludes means for advancing said cartridge in a step-by-step manner soas to register successive chambers thereof to said at least one open-37. Apparatus according to claim 35wherein said cartridge comprises aslideable bottom which engages an engaging means on said housing so asto open se lected chambers to said opening in said housing.

38. Apparatus according to' claim 37 wherein said advancing meansadvances said cartridge reliativeto said housing and relative to saidslideable bdttom of said cartridge after said slideable bottom engagessaid engaging means on said housing. t

39. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising:

at least one rotatable member having serrations along at least a portionof the periphery thereof;

at least one stationary member having serrations over at least a portionof a given surface thereof which faces the periphery of said at leastone rotatable member;

means for rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable memberlaterally offset relative to said at least one stationary member;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member having a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said at least one rotatablemember and said at least one stationary member, said entrance pathtapering from an entrance dimension larger than the maximum lateraldimension of said syringe or like object to a dimension at leastsubstantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe;

a housing for said at least one rotatable and stationary members; and ireceiving means pivotally mounted to an upper portion of said housingabove said entrance path for receiving at least one syringe or likeobject therein and for feeding said at least one syringe or like objectto said entrance path, said receiving means being pivotally movablebetween a first position defining a receptacle for receiving at leastone syringe to be destroyed, and a second position wherein saidreceptacle empties its contents towards said entrance path.

40. Apparatus according to claim 39 wherein said receiving means is anelongated receptacle and wherein in said second position, said receivingmeans blocks said entrance path from reception of any additionalarticles from outside of said housing.

41. Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said receiving means iscoupled to an actuating means for selectively pivoting said receivingmeans between said first and second positions.

42. Apparatus according to claim 41 wherein said receiving means has agear coupled thereto, and wherein said actuating means comprises a rackengageable with said gear for moving said receiving means between saidfirst and second positions.

43. Apparatus according to claim 41 comprising drive means for impartingrotation to said at least one rotatable member, and wherein saidactuating means is further operatively coupled to said drive means toturn said drive means on when said receiving means is in said secondposition, and to turn said drive means off when said receiving means isin said first position.

44. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising:

a'tleastone rotatable member having a circumferen- 'tial row of alignedserrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof; l at leastone stationary. member having a row of aligned serrations over at leasta substantial portion of a given surface .thereof'which faces theperiphery of said at least one rotatable member;

means for rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable memberlaterally offset relative to said at least one stationary member;

said given surface of said at least one stationary memberhaving a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said at least one rotatablemember and said at least one stationary member, said entrance pathtapering from an entrance dimension larger than the maximum lateraldimension of said syringe or like object to a dimension at leastsubstantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe;

said given surface of said at least one stationary member havingsaidserrations over at least a substantial portion of the portion thereofwhich defines said tapered entrance path;

said .serrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object; and

removable cartridge means for feeding said syringes or like objects tosaid rotatable and stationary members.

45. Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said cartridge meanscomprises a plurality of chambers for receiving syringes therein.

46. Apparatus according to claim 45 wherein said chambers are orientedso as to orient said received syringes in a substantially horizontal andlateral position relative to the orientation of said at least onerotatable and said at least one stationary members.

47. Apparatus according to claim 44 comprising a housing, said housingincluding means for removably receiving said cartridge means, and atleast one opening in communication with said entrance path.

48. Apparatus according to claim 47 comprising means in said housing forfeeding syringes from said at least one opening to said entrance path,said feeding means including means defining at least one tortuous pathbetween said at least one opening and said entrance path.

49. Apparatus according to claim 48 wherein said housing has twoopenings of different sizes therein, and

wherein said feeding means includes means defining respective tortuouspaths between said respective openings and said entrance path.

50. Apparatus according to claim 48 wherein said means defining said atleast one tortuous path comprises a plurality of flat plate-likesections oriented to define at least two changes in direction of thefeed path to insure that a syringe is substantially horizontal when itreaches said entrance path.

51. Apparatus according to claim 47 wherein said ;cartridge receivingmeans comprises a plurality of 52. Apparatus according to claim 51comprising a plurality of said rotatable members and a plurality of saidspaced stationary members, each rotatable member being respectivelymounted between a pair of adjacent stationary members.

53. Apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said receiving meansincludes means for advancing said cartridge in a step-by-step manner soas to register successive chambers thereof to said at least one opening.

54. Apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said cartridge comprises aslideable bottom which engages an engaging means on said housing so asto open selected chambers to said opening in said housing.

55. Apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said advancing meansadvances said cartridge relative to said housing and relative to saidslideable bottom of said cartridge after said slideable bottom engagessaid engaging means on said housing.

56. Apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said cartridge includes aside rail having a plurality of indentations thereon, and wherein saidadvancing means include gear means engageable with said side rail formoving said side rail relative to said housing.

57. Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said advancing meansincludes a spring-detent mechanism for positively locating saidcartridge at given positions relative to said housing.

58. Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said side rail is a rackgear which is engageable with said gear of said housing.

1. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising: a plurality of rotatable members, each having acircumferential row of aligned serrations along at least a portion ofthe periphery thereof; a plurality of stationary members, each having arow of aligned serrations over at least a substantial portion of a givensurface thereof which faces the periphery of said at least one rotatablemember; and means for rotatably mounting each of at least a plurality Ofsaid rotatable members between respective pairs of adjacent stationarymembers; said given surfaces of said stationary members having a shapewhich defines an entrance path between said rotatable members and saidstationary members, said entrance path tapering from an entrancedimension larger than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object to a dimension at least substantially smaller than saidmaximum lateral dimension of said syringe; said given surfaces of saidstationary members having said serrations over at least a substantialportion of the portion thereof which defines said tapered entrance path;said serrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a housing anda receptacle mounted therein adjacent said rotatable and stationarymembers for receiving destroyed syringes or like objects therein, saidreceptacle being pivotally mounted relative to said rotatable andstationary members.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising aremovable cartridge means for feeding said syringes or like objects tosaid at least one rotatable and said at least one stationary members. 4.Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said cartridge means comprises aplurality of chambers for receiving syringes therein.
 5. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said entrance path defined between saidrotatable members and said given surfaces is reduced or tapered to sucha degree that, in the lateral direction of the apparatus, no clearanceexists between said given surfaces and the periphery of said rotatablemembers.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said given surfacesof said stationary members extend inwardly at substantially the end ofsaid given surfaces remote from said entrance path to such a degree asto overlap said rotatable members in the lateral direction of saidapparatus.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said inwardlyextending end surfaces of said stationary members have no serrationsthereon.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotatablemembers are mounted on a common shaft, and including means for rotatablydriving said common shaft.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprisinga plurality of finger members interposed between adjacent rotatablemembers to deflect fragments of the destroyed syringes.
 10. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 comprising a base portion mounted below saidrotatable members and spaced from the serrated surfaces of saidrotatable members for receiving and conveying destroyed syringes andfragments thereof.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidrotatable members are serrated about the complete periphery thereof. 12.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said stationary members aresubstantially flat and wherein said given surfaces are arcuate surfaces.13. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising: at least one rotatable member having a circumferential rowof aligned serrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof;at least one stationary member having a row of aligned serrations overat least a substantial portion of a given surface thereof which facesthe periphery of said at least one rotatable member; means for rotatablymounting said at least one rotatable member laterally offset relative tosaid at least one stationary member; said given surface of said at leastone stationary member having a shape which defines an entrance pathbetween said at least one rotatable member and said at least onestationary member, said entrance path tapering from an entrancedimension larger than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object to a dimension at least substantially smaller than saidmaximum lateral dimension of said syringe; said given surfAce of said atleast one stationary member having said serrations over at least asubstantial portion of the portion thereof which defines said taperedentrance path; said serrations having adjacent teeth which are closelyspaced, the spacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object; and means for feeding said syringes to said entrance pathin a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the orientation ofsaid at least one rotatable member and said at least one stationarymember.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 13 comprising a plurality ofsaid rotatable members and a plurality of said spaced stationarymembers, each rotatable member being respectively mounted between a pairof adjacent stationary members.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 13wherein said syringes comprise elongated tubular members and saidfeeding means includes alignment means defining at least onehorizontally elongated tortuous feed path leading to said entrance pathto insure said substantially horizontal orientation of the longitudinalaxis of a syringe when it reaches said entrance path.
 16. Apparatusaccording to claim 15 comprising a pair of feeding means for receivingdifferent sized syringes and for feeding said syringes to said entrancepath over respective tortuous feed paths to insure said substantiallyhorizontal orientation of a syringe when it reaches said entrance path.17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said feeding means comprisesat least a pair of spaced partitions mounted above said entrance pathand together defining at least two changes in direction of the feed pathfor said syringes prior to said syringes reaching said entrance path.18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein each partition has angularlyconnected portions, the interface between angularly connected portionsbeing horizontally oriented.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 17 whereinsaid partitions are comprised of a plurality of flat plate-likesections.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 13 comprising a housing and areceptacle mounted therein adjacent said rotatable and stationarymembers for receiving destroyed syringes or like objects therein, saidreceptacle being pivotally mounted relative to said rotatable andstationary members.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein saidreceptacle contains means for receiving a disposable container therein.22. Apparatus according to claim 20 comprising means for observing thecondition of said receptacle from outside of said housing of saidapparatus.
 23. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or likeobjects, comprising a housing containing: at least one rotatable memberhaving a circumferential row of aligned serrations along at least aportion of the periphery thereof; at least one stationary member havinga row of aligned serrations over at least a substantial portion of agiven surface thereof which faces the periphery of said at least onerotatable member; means for rotatably mounting said at least onerotatable member laterally offset relative to said at least onestationary member; said given surface of said at least one stationarymember having a shape which defines an entrance path between said atleast one rotatable member and said at least one stationary member, saidentrance path tapering from an entrance dimension larger than themaximum lateral dimension of said syringe or like object to a dimensionat least substantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension ofsaid syringe; said given surface of said at least one stationary memberhaving said serrations over at least a substantial portion of theportion thereof which defines said tapered entrance path; saidserrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, the spacingbetween said teeth and the depth of said teeth being substantially lessthan the maximum laterial dimension of said syringe or like object; anda receptacle pivotally mounted to said housing adjacent said rotatableand stationary members for receiving destroyed syringes or like objectstherein, said receptacle being pivotally mounted relative to saidrotatable and stationary members for removal of destroyed syringestherefrom.
 24. Apparatus according to claim 23 comprising a plurality ofsaid rotatable members and a plurality of said spaced stationarymembers, each rotatable member being respectively mounted between a pairof adjacent stationary members.
 25. Apparatus for destroying medicalsyringes, or the like objects, comprising a housing containing: at leastone rotatable member having a circumferential row of aligned serrationsalong at least a portion of the periphery thereof; at least onestationary member having a row of aligned serrations over at least asubstantial portion of a given surface thereof which faces the peripheryof said at least one rotatable member; means for rotatably mounting saidat least one rotatable member laterally offset relative to said at leastone stationary member; said given surface of said at least onestationary member having a shape which defines an entrance path betweensaid at least one rotatable member and said at least one stationarymember, said entrance path tapering from an entrance dimension largerthan the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe or like object to adimension at least sustantially smaller than said maximum lateraldimension of said syringe; said given surface of said at least onestationary member having said serrations over at least a substantialportion of the portion thereof which defines said tapered entrance path;said serrations having aadjacent teeth which are closely spaced, thespacing between said teeth and the depth of said teeth beingsubstantially less than the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe orlike object; and receiving means mounted to said housing above saidentrance path for receiving at least one syringe or like object thereinand for feeding said at least one syringe or like object to saidentrance path, said receiving means being pivotally mounted to the upperportion of said housing.
 26. Apparatus according to claim 25 comprisinga plurality of said rotatable members and a plurality of said spacedstationary members, each rotatable member being respectively mountedbetween a pair of adjacent stationary members.
 27. Apparatus accordingto claim 25 wherein said receiving means assumes a first positiondefining a receptacle for receiving at least one syringe to bedestroyed, and a second position wherein said receptacle empties itscontents towards said entrance path.
 28. Apparatus according to claim 27wherein said receiving means is an elongated receptacle and wherein insaid second position, said receiving means blocks said entrance pathfrom reception of any additional articles from outside of said housing.29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said receiving means iscoupled to an actuating means for selectively pivoting said receivingmeans between said first and second positions.
 30. Apparatus accordingto claim 29 wherein said receiving means has a gear coupled thereto, andwherein said actuating means comprises a rack engageable with said gearfor moving said receiving means between said first and second positions.31. Apparatus according to claim 29 comprising drive means for impartingrotation to said at least one rotatable member, and wherein saidactuating means is further operatively coupled to said drive means toturn said drive means on when said receiving means is in said secondposition, and to turn said drive means off when said receiving means isin said first position.
 32. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes,or like objects, comprising: at least one rotatable member havingserrations along at least a portion of the periphery thereof; at leastone stationary member having serrations over aT least a portion of agiven surface thereof which faces the periphery of said at least onerotatable member; means for rotatably mounting said at least onerotatable member laterally offset relative to said at least onestationary member; said given surface of said at least one stationarymember having a shape which defines an entrance path between said atleast one rotatable member and said at least one stationary member, saidentrance path tapering from an entrance dimension larger than themaximum lateral dimension of said syringe or like object to a dimensionat least substantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension ofsaid syringe; and cartridge means for feeding said syringes or likeobjects to said at least one rotatable and said at least one stationarymembers, said cartridge means comprising a plurality of chambers forreceiving said syringes or like objects therein.
 33. Apparatus accordingto claim 32 wherein said chambers are oriented so as to orient saidreceived syringes in a substantially horizontal and lateral positionrelative to the orientation of said at least one rotatable and said atleast one stationary members.
 34. Apparatus according to claim 32comprising a housing, said housing including means for removablyreceiving said cartridge means, and at least one opening incommunication with said entrance path.
 35. Apparatus according to claim34 wherein said cartridge receiving means includes means for advancingsaid cartridge relative to said housing so as to register selectedchambers thereof to said at least one opening.
 36. Apparatus accordingto claim 35 wherein said receiving means includes means for advancingsaid cartridge in a step-by-step manner so as to register successivechambers thereof to said at least one opening.
 37. Apparatus accordingto claim 35 wherein said cartridge comprises a slideable bottom whichengages an engaging means on said housing so as to open selectedchambers to said opening in said housing.
 38. Apparatus according toclaim 37 wherein said advancing means advances said cartridge relativeto said housing and relative to said slideable bottom of said cartridgeafter said slideable bottom engages said engaging means on said housing.39. Apparatus for destroying medical syringes, or like objects,comprising: at least one rotatable member having serrations along atleast a portion of the periphery thereof; at least one stationary memberhaving serrations over at least a portion of a given surface thereofwhich faces the periphery of said at least one rotatable member; meansfor rotatably mounting said at least one rotatable member laterallyoffset relative to said at least one stationary member; said givensurface of said at least one stationary member having a shape whichdefines an entrance path between said at least one rotatable member andsaid at least one stationary member, said entrance path tapering from anentrance dimension larger than the maximum lateral dimension of saidsyringe or like object to a dimension at least substantially smallerthan said maximum lateral dimension of said syringe; a housing for saidat least one rotatable and stationary members; and receiving meanspivotally mounted to an upper portion of said housing above saidentrance path for receiving at least one syringe or like object thereinand for feeding said at least one syringe or like object to saidentrance path, said receiving means being pivotally movable between afirst position defining a receptacle for receiving at least one syringeto be destroyed, and a second position wherein said receptacle emptiesits contents towards said entrance path.
 40. Apparatus according toclaim 39 wherein said receiving means is an elongated receptacle andwherein in said second position, said receiving means blocks saidentrance path from reception of any additional articles from outside ofsaid housing.
 41. Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein said receivingmeaNs is coupled to an actuating means for selectively pivoting saidreceiving means between said first and second positions.
 42. Apparatusaccording to claim 41 wherein said receiving means has a gear coupledtherto, and wherein said actuating means comprises a rack engageablewith said gear for moving said receiving means between said first andsecond positions.
 43. Apparatus according to claim 41 comprising drivemeans for imparting rotation to said at least one rotatable member, andwherein said actuating means is further operatively coupled to saiddrive means to turn said drive means on when said receiving means is insaid second position, and to turn said drive means off when saidreceiving means is in said first position.
 44. Apparatus for destroyingmedical syringes, or like objects, comprising: at least one rotatablemember having a circumferential row of aligned serrations along at leasta portion of the periphery thereof; at least one stationary memberhaving a row of aligned serrations over at least a substantial portionof a given surface thereof which faces the periphery of said at leastone rotatable member; means for rotatably mounting said at least onerotatable member laterally offset relative to said at least onestationary member; said given surface of said at least one stationarymember having a shape which defines an entrance path between said atleast one rotatable member and said at least one stationary member, saidentrance path tapering from an entrance dimension larger than themaximum lateral dimension of said syringe or like object to a dimensionat least substantially smaller than said maximum lateral dimension ofsaid syringe; said given surface of said at least one stationary memberhaving said serrations over at least a substantial portion of theportion thereof which defines said tapered entrance path; saidserrations having adjacent teeth which are closely spaced, the spacingbetween said teeth and the depth of said teeth being substantially lessthan the maximum lateral dimension of said syringe or like object; andremovable cartridge means for feeding said syringes or like objects tosaid rotatable and stationary members.
 45. Apparatus according to claim44 wherein said cartridge means comprises a plurality of chambers forreceiving syringes therein.
 46. Apparatus according to claim 45 whereinsaid chambers are oriented so as to orient said received syringes in asubstantially horizontal and lateral position relative to theorientation of said at least one rotatable and said at least onestationary members.
 47. Apparatus according to claim 44 comprising ahousing, said housing including means for removably receiving saidcartridge means, and at least one opening in communication with saidentrance path.
 48. Apparatus according to claim 47 comprising means insaid housing for feeding syringes from said at least one opening to saidentrance path, said feeding means including means defining at least onetortuous path between said at least one opening and said entrance path.49. Apparatus according to claim 48 wherein said housing has twoopenings of different sizes therein, and wherein said feeding meansincludes means defining respective tortuous paths between saidrespective openings and said entrance path.
 50. Apparatus according toclaim 48 wherein said means defining said at least one tortuous pathcomprises a plurality of flat plate-like sections oriented to define atleast two changes in direction of the feed path to insure that a syringeis substantially horizontal when it reaches said entrance path. 51.Apparatus according to claim 47 wherein said cartridge receiving meanscomprises a plurality of chambers for receiving syringes therein andfurther includes means for advancing said cartridge relative to saidhousing so as to register selected chambers thereof to said at least oneopening.
 52. Apparatus according to claim 51 comprising a plurality Ofsaid rotatable members and a plurality of said spaced stationarymembers, each rotatable member being respectively mounted between a pairof adjacent stationary members.
 53. Apparatus according to claim 51wherein said receiving means includes means for advancing said cartridgein a step-by-step manner so as to register successive chambers thereofto said at least one opening.
 54. Apparatus according to claim 51wherein said cartridge comprises a slideable bottom which engages anengaging means on said housing so as to open selected chambers to saidopening in said housing.
 55. Apparatus according to claim 54 whereinsaid advancing means advances said cartridge relative to said housingand relative to said slideable bottom of said cartridge after saidslideable bottom engages said engaging means on said housing. 56.Apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said cartridge includes a siderail having a plurality of indentations thereon, and wherein saidadvancing means include gear means engageable with said side rail formoving said side rail relative to said housing.
 57. Apparatus accordingto claim 56 wherein said advancing means includes a spring-detentmechanism for positively locating said cartridge at given positionsrelative to said housing.
 58. Apparatus according to claim 56 whereinsaid side rail is a rack gear which is engageable with said gear of saidhousing.